National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is a key institution established in 2008 to strengthen India’s skill ecosystem and improve employability across the country. Operating under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), NSDC works as a catalyst to develop a skilled workforce that meets industry-driven demands.

Its mission focuses on promoting large-scale skill training, supporting private training partners, and creating programmes that align with national and global standards. By bridging the gap between industry requirements and workforce capabilities, NSDC plays a crucial role in boosting India’s economic growth.

As highlighted in a 2019 Business Line report, out of 33.9 lakh individuals trained under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), nearly 10 lakh secured employment, reflecting the positive impact of the Skill India Mission and NSDC’s contribution in enabling job-ready youth.

Read on to know more about NSDC and how it is helping the country produce trained manpower.

What is the National Skill Development Corporation?

Incorporated in 2008 under the Companies Act, 1956, The National Skill Development Corporation is a not-for-profit dedicated to assisting and furthering skill development in India. The company was set up by the Ministry of Finance and works under the PPP or Public Private Partnership model. As per official data, the Central Government and the private sector hold 49% and 51% of NSDC’s capital share, respectively

To date, NSDC has helped train over 1.12 crore individuals through 462 training partners and more than 11,000 training centres, successfully offering placement to over 50.68 lakh candidates. It imparts skill training via quality vocational centres and aims to secure funding for training programmes too. Facilitating support systems that specialise in quality assurance is also part of NSDC’s action plan.

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), incorporated in 2008 under the Companies Act, 1956, is a not-for-profit organisation established to accelerate skill development across India. Created by the Ministry of Finance, NSDC operates through a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model, with the Central Government holding 49% of the share capital and the private sector holding 51%.

Over the years, NSDC has played a central role in strengthening India's skill ecosystem. It has trained more than 1.12 crore individuals through 462 training partners and over 11,000 training centres, facilitating placements for more than 50.68 lakh candidates. NSDC supports skill building through high-quality vocational institutes, helps mobilise funding for training programmes, and builds strong support systems focused on standards, quality assurance, and industry-aligned outcomes.

Vision of the Skill India Programme

Since NSDC was setup to aid the national skill development mission, it’s important to understand the vision of Skill India Programme as well. Skill India refers to a programme that the Government of India launched in 2015, to build the skill development programmes already in motion in the country. The goal was to venture into newer sectors by empowering youth with high quality training. On the whole, its vision is to train more than 40 crore Indians with relevant skills by 2022.

So while NSDC was already in place since 2008, the approach to skill training is now different. While earlier the focus was on traditional occupations, now, emphasis is placed on all sectors. Moreover, the national skill development movement aims at imparting valuable training to educated persons, college dropouts, and uneducated individuals alike

Concept of NSDC: How it approaches skill training

Rather than being an operator, NSDC focuses on mobilising initiatives that can have a widespread effect on skill development. So one can say that it serves as a catalyst in the Skill India mission. Here are some of the important objectives that NSDC has undertaken in the country:

• To enhance skills and take training to international standards through interaction with the industry
• To help organisations, companies and enterprises providing training secure funding
• To put in place frameworks and support services for quality assurance, training standards and course curriculum
• To develop business models that will aid private sector skill training initiatives
• To provide funding to private sector training initiatives via loans, equity, grants, etc.
• To facilitate involvement of the private sector in skill development programmes
  

Bonus tip: Securing funding from NSDC can be a long process, and at times, you may need additional resources. A loan against property can help you bridge that gap, offering quick access to capital when you need it most. By pledging the value of your own property, you can access large funds —all with flexible repayment options and competitive interest rates. Explore our offers on loan against property today!

List Of Skill Development Schemes And Initiatives

As per the NSDC, the 5 main skill development schemes are as follows.

• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK)
• Udaan
• International Skill Training
• Technical Intern Training Programme
  

The training programmes have a wide scope and seek to transform the skill training landscape within the country. For example, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra aims to establish model training centres in every district in India, while Udaan is a programme that has been specially created for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

If you are aiming to open a training centre under one of these schemes, you might find that access to capital can speed up your plans. Bajaj Finance offers a loan against property to give you the funding you need with no hidden charges and a simplified online application process. This secured loan allows you to access funds while retaining ownership, making it an excellent option for business expansion, education, medical expenses, or debt consolidation. With lower interest rates and flexible repayment terms, loan against property provides a smart way to unlock your property's financial potential. Check your loan against property eligibility in seconds.

Eligibility under NSDC scheme

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) scheme is designed to be inclusive, supporting a wide range of individuals seeking to improve their skills and boost employability. Eligibility for the NSDC scheme typically includes:

• Indian citizens are eligible for the NSDC scheme.
• The targeted age group is typically between 18 to 45 years old.
• Open to school and college dropouts.
• Available to unemployed or underemployed individuals.
• Inclusive of marginalised sections such as women, differently abled individuals, and those from economically weaker sections.
• Specific programs may have additional criteria based on the nature of training and sector focus.
• Some programs may require a basic level of education or prior experience in a particular field.

Overall, the NSDC scheme aims to be accessible to a broad spectrum of individuals seeking to improve their skills and employment prospects.

Benefits of NSDC scheme

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) scheme offers numerous benefits aimed at enhancing the skill set of the Indian workforce. By providing industry-relevant training and certifications, it empowers individuals with the skills required to meet the demands of various sectors, thereby improving employability and career prospects. The scheme also supports entrepreneurs through specialised programs, fostering innovation and business growth. Additionally, it collaborates with various stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector companies, and educational institutions, to ensure a holistic approach to skill development. This comprehensive framework helps bridge the skill gap in the economy, promotes sustainable livelihoods, and contributes to the overall economic development of the country.

List of courses and training institutes under NSDC

Here’s how NSDC helps learners and training providers access skill India courses:

• Multiple training categories: Includes Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), NSDC fee-based courses, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Technical Intern Training Programmes, and Apprenticeship Training.
• Easy course search: Each category comes with a dedicated search tool to help you find courses based on skill area, location, or industry.
• State-wise institute locator: Under ITIs, you can search for institutes in your state using filters like trade, district, and course type.
• PMKVY course finder: Enables learners to search for job-oriented courses aligned with their chosen field.
• Support for training providers: NSDC also enables private training partners to register, expand operations, and access resources for scaling training capacity.

Whether you are a private sector player offering training or a beneficiary seeking to establish a business of your own, you know that funding is an essential part of your journey. One of the best ways to secure large amounts at an economical rate is via a Bajaj Housing Finance Limited Loan Against Property. It offers funding up to Rs. 10.50 crore* for a maximum tenor of 15 years and has simple eligibility criteria. The disbursal time is just 72 hours*, and you can simplify the process further by applying online and opting for the doorstep document pick-up facility.

Did you know? Some entrepreneurs who completed NSDC’s training have grown their businesses by getting loans to support their ideas. If you are thinking about expanding or starting something new, you can do the same! Bajaj Finance offers a loan against property, allowing you to use your property’s value to get the funds you need. It is an easy way to access money without the hassle! Check if you have a pre-approved offer with us!

Is an NSDC certificate valid?

Yes, an NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) certificate is valid and recognised. The NSDC operates under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in India and plays a pivotal role in shaping the country's skilled workforce. The certificate gained after completing an NSDC program serves as significant proof of the skills acquired and is widely recognised by numerous employers, reinforcing your professional abilities and heightening your chances of employment.

Is NSDC government or private?

The NSDC is a unique model of a public-private partnership (PPP). It is a not-for-profit company set up by the Ministry of Finance, operating under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Though the Indian government holds 49% of the share capital, the remaining 51% is held by the private sector. With this set-up, NSDC benefits from governmental regulations and also harnesses the dynamism and resourcefulness of private sector participation.

Is NSDC training free?

While many skill development programs conducted by NSDC partners require a fee, several schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) do provide free training to eligible candidates. These programs are aimed at making skill development accessible to all, with a special focus on the less privileged sections of the society. It is advisable to check the NSDC's official website or contact their centre to gather detailed information about the costs and any free training opportunities.

Some popular government schemes

Here are a few widely-used government initiatives that support entrepreneurship, education, employment, and financial inclusion in India: